1. AFFECTED INDIVIDUAL

PERMANENTLY EXCLUDE:

• If donor ever has been diagnosed with syphilis.

2. SEXUAL CONTACT WITH INFECTED PERSON

DEFER:

• Defer for 4 months after the conclusion of treatment if the donor was not clinically diagnosed with syphilis following sexual contact, but was treated empirically 
• Defer for 4 months after the last sexual contact with the infected person if the donor did not require treatment for syphilis following sexual contact.

 REFER:

• If the sexual contact is on-going.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. It may also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or at birth, resulting in congenital syphilis. The signs and symptoms of syphilis vary depending in which of the four stages it presents (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). It can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

Directive 2004/33/EC has a legislative requirement that prospective donors with a history of syphilis are deferred for 1 year following the date of full recovery. The IBTS has implemented more stringent guidelines than is recommended in the directive.